How to Address Church Officials How to Address Church Officials FATHER WILLIAM SAUNDERS At the diocesan anniversary Mass this August, I had the pleasure of meeting Bishop Loverde. I am embarrassed to say that I was not sure how to address him — just Bishop, your eminence, or what. A proper etiquette does exist for how we address our Church leaders. As a point of courtesy, all Catholics should be familiar with these forms of address. Even though we may live in an increasingly informal world, such good formalities help to make us respectful of proper authority. So lets start at the top — the Pope. A person would greet Pope John Paul II as "Your Holiness," "Most Holy Father," or "Holy Father." A letter written to him would be addressed, "His Holiness, Pope John Paul II," with the salutation, "Your Holiness" or "Most Holy Father." Next in the hierarchy comes the Cardinal. A person would greet a Cardinal, for instance Cardinal Keeler of Baltimore, by saying, "Your Eminence" or "Your Lordship" (which is very British).

In addressing a letter to Cardinal Keeler, one would write, "His Eminence, William Cardinal Keeler, Archbishop of Baltimore" with the salutation, "Your Eminence," "Most Eminent Cardinal," or "My Lord Cardinal." Lately, some people will reverse the word order, saying, "Cardinal William Keeler" instead of "William Cardinal Keeler." The formal word order originated in the time when last names were not common, but individuals were known by occupations or even places. For example, "John, the Smith" (or Blacksmith) eventually became "John Smith." The same evolution occurred with Cardinals: What would have been "William, the Cardinal" would now be, with the use of family names, "William Cardinal Keeler." Another interesting diversion for us concerns a Patriarch. Patriarchs are Cardinals but have honorary precedence over a Cardinal. For example, the Patriarch of Jerusalem is Archbishop Michael Sabbah.

A person would greet him, saying, "Your Beatitude." In addressing a letter to him, one would write, "His Beatitude, Michael Sabbah, The Patriarch of Jerusalem" with the salutation, "Your Beatitude." Both an Archbishop and a Bishop would be greeted as "Your Excellency" or "Your Grace" (again very British). For example, one would greet Bishop Loverde as "Your Excellency." In writing to him (for instance, about how much you enjoy this column — only kidding), you would address the letter, "The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington," with the salutation, "Your Excellency." Although some people today informally would approach Bishop Loverde and say, for instance, "Bishop, how are you?" one should properly say, "Bishop Loverde, how are you?" or "Your Excellency, how are you?" Just as a person would never approach Pope John Paul II and simply say, "Pope, how are you?" the title of office, in this case "bishop," should not be used in an address without either the definite article the or a proper name.

A Monsignor would be greeted as "Monsignor." A letter to Monsignor Bradican, for example, would be addressed as "Reverend Monsignor Thomas Bradican," or "Reverend and Dear Monsignor," with the salutation, "Dear Monsignor." (The proper abbreviation is "Rev. Msgr.") Prior to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, some Monsignori had the distinction of "Right Reverend Monsignor" or "Very Reverend Monsignor." Such distinctions are no longer made among Monsignori except for certain members of the Papal Household and those who serve in special offices of the Vatican Curia. Finally, we come to the Priest. He would be greeted simply as "Father," which reflects his spiritual fatherhood to those entrusted to his care by virtue of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. A letter to him would be addressed, "The Reverend William P.

Saunders," for example, with the salutation, "Dear Father Saunders" or "Reverend and Dear Father Saunders." Some "Fathers" are also formally addressed "Very Reverend" when they have a special duty; for example, Father Frank Ready, the Dean of Deanery II, would be addressed, "The Very Reverend Frank Ready." While this review is not exhaustive of all of the Church offices, the major ones have been considered. Further information may be found in the Official Directory for the Diocese of Arlington and The Church Visible by James Charles Noonan, Jr. Acknowledgement Saunders, Rev. William. "How to Address Church Officials." Arlington Catholic Herald. This article is reprinted with permission from Arlington Catholic Herald. The Author Father William Saunders is pastor of Our Lady of Hope parish in Potomac Falls, Virginia. He is dean of the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College. The above article is a "Straight Answers" column he wrote for the Arlington Catholic Herald. Father Saunders is the author of Straight Answers , a book based on 100 of his columns, and Straight Answers II . How to address an archbishop - Catholic Answers Forums How to address an archbishop Lost password?

Welcome to Catholic Answers Forums, the largest Catholic Community on the Web. Here you can join over 400,000 members from around the world discussing all things Catholic. Membership is open to all, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, who seek the Truth with Charity. To gain full access, you must register for a FREE account. Registered members are able to: Submit questions about the faith to experts from Catholic Answers Participate in all forum discussions Communicate privately with Catholics from around the world Plus join a prayer group, read with the Book Club, and much more. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. So join our community today ! Have a question about registration or your account log-in? Just contact our Support Hotline . Page 1 of 2 Join Date: April 30, 2005 Posts: 454 Religion: Catholic How to address an archbishop What is the correct way to address an Archbishop, both face to face and in a formal letter. Thanks __________________ "This is what Yahweh asks of you: only this, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God.

" (Micah 6:8) steve99 Join Date: May 8, 2005 Posts: 48,607 Re: How to address an archbishop Quote: Originally Posted by steve99 What is the correct way to address an Archbishop, both face to face and in a formal letter. Thanks Good question-and if we meet him personally are we supposed to kiss his ring? estesbob Join Date: May 16, 2004 Posts: 5,861 Re: How to address an archbishop "Your Excellency" or if he happens to be a cardinal "Your Eminence". Now, as a practical matter, many people will simply say "Bishop", "Archbishop", "Cardinal". Actually, even "Father" is appropriate. Now in letter when addressing an envelope, for instance, one might go with the most formal "The Most Reverend Archbishop Thinkshessoholy D.D." Then, you could always just refer to him informally as "Bub". As far as ring kissing, it can be approrpriate but isn't required.

Some people like to do it (especially in a more formal setting) and some bishops like it, but probably no one will complain if you don't. It certain situations, attempting it can actually be quite awkward. chicago Join Date: January 31, 2006 Posts: 91 Re: How to address an archbishop I've never seen a non-awkward episcopal ring kissing. The kisser always rushes in and sort of dives at the prelate's side, and the wearer of the ring looks somewhat uncomfortable. introibo Join Date: April 6, 2005 Posts: 662 Re: How to address an archbishop Quote: Originally Posted by introibo I've never seen a non-awkward episcopal ring kissing. The kisser always rushes in and sort of dives at the prelate's side, and the wearer of the ring looks somewhat uncomfortable. Yup...I just had the opportunity to kiss my bishop's ring last night and it was awkward. But maybe the only reason it's awkward is because it has fallen into disuse. On another note, WHO does one address as "Your Grace"? I know I have heard this used, but of whom?

Are archbishops and bishops both called "Your Excellency"? Anima Christi Join Date: May 16, 2004 Posts: 5,861 Re: How to address an archbishop Quote: Originally Posted by Anima Christi Yup...I just had the opportunity to kiss my bishop's ring last night and it was awkward. But maybe the only reason it's awkward is because it has fallen into disuse. On another note, WHO does one address as "Your Grace"? I know I have heard this used, but of whom? Are archbishops and bishops both called "Your Excellency"? I believe that "Your Grace" is more of an English tradition than American. chicago Join Date: July 26, 2005 Posts: 243 Re: How to address an archbishop Your Excellency ! Join Date: May 23, 2005 Posts: 947 Re: How to address an archbishop Quote: Yup...I just had the opportunity to kiss my bishop's ring last night and it was awkward. But maybe the only reason it's awkward is because it has fallen into disuse.

That is probably the reason-it has fallen into disuse in America but I think it is good to keep that tradition alive. It goes smoother if you have a bishop or an archbishop who are "cool" with it. I also strongly dislike when people say things like, "Hey, Bishop" or "How's it goin', Archbishop." I personally think that one should at the least use the proper form of "Your Excellency" when you greet them. I tend to use it even when I refer to them after the initial greeting and only use "Bishop" or "Archbishop" in order not to wear out "Your Excellency" but if you're conversational skills are decent then this won't happen very often. __________________ "Though St. John the Evangelist saw many strange monsters in his vision, he saw no creature so wild as one of his own commentators"-G. K. Chesterton ComradeAndrei Catholic Bishop Letter salutation: Dear Bishop (surname): To see an interesting story about a mistake addressing the Pope, cardinals and bishops, click here. FYI, here is what's come in to the Blog that relates to this office/rank. For recent questions sent in, check out Robert Hickey's Blog .

For specific offices/ranks, check out Robert Hickey's On-Line Guide . How to Write a Bishop's Name on a Document? I am preparing a 'keepsake' for a my nephew who is being confirmed - and I am personalizing the piece with my nephew's name, the date of event, and the name of the celebrant: Bishop John J McIntyre. Which is the more appropriate written form of address for this purpose?: Bishop John J. MacIntosh The Most Reverend John J. MacIntosh ~ D.M. Novak The formal form of written address is: The Most Reverend John J. MacIntosh The formal form to use in conversation --- or in a letter's salutation is: Bishop MacIntosh So on the keepsake use the formal written form of his name: The Most Reverend John J. MacIntosh -- Robert Hickey Is a Roman Catholic Bishop an Excellency? How do I address my (Roman Catholic) bishop? Is he Your Excellency? Are there more and less formal forms of correct address? ~ Barbara Montgomery I taught catechism for years and when the kids prepared for a visit by the Bishop for confirmation they were always told to say Your Excellency or Bishop (Name).

~ P.D. Dear SM in California: YOUR GRACE Addressing bishops as Your Grace is a British form of address. In the Church of England bishops are granted the precedence of a Duke ... and dukes and thus by courtesy ... Anglican bishops – are addressed as Your Grace. [In the United States, the American branch of the church – the Episcopal Church in the USA – addresses its Presiding Bishop as the Most Reverend (Full Name) and its other bishops as the Right Reverend (Full Name). Both, in conversation or a salutation are Bishop (Surname). EXCELLENCY His/Her/Your Excellency is a courtesy title used by accredited diplomats who have presented their credentials to a foreign head-of-state as the single designated representative from another head-of-state. So the Papal Nuncio (who would always have the rank of bishop) is addressed as Your Excellency ... but other bishops are not. THE MOST REVEREND The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops says that U.S. Catholic bishops are correctly addressed as the Most Reverend (Full Name) and Bishop (Surname). -- Robert Hickey Not Finding Your Question Answered?

Below are other topics covered in my blog and at right is a list of officials, Between the two I probably have what you are looking for. After hunting around a bit, if you don't see your question answered send me an e-mail . I am pretty fast at sending a reply: usually the next day (unless I am traveling.) If I think your question is of interest to others, I will post the question & answer – with your name and any personal specifics changed. -- Robert Hickey Addressing Clergy ``Where the Bishop is, there let the multitude of believers be; even as where Jesus is, there is the Catholic Church'' Ignatius of Antioch, 1st c. A.D Addressing Clergy Note that priests and their superiors and religious should be treated with the utmost respect. The rules of etiquette that apply when dealing with people of different social standing apply here as well, for example: during introductions, laymen are introduced to priests or their superiors and religious (e.g., "Father, I present Mrs. Doe. Mrs.

Doe, this is Father Smith."); clergy and religious should be seated at the right hand of a host (or hostess, as the case may be); at social gatherings, they should be seated in the place of honor, etc. A note on kneeling: Kneel on the left knee for persons (Kings, Bishops, Archbishops, Patriarchs, Cardinals, Popes, etc.); Kneel on the right knee for Christ in the tabernacle; Kneel on both knees when the Eucharist is exposed. Latin Catholic Envelope Address His Holiness, Pope John Paul II (abbreviated: H.H. John Paul II) Letter Salutation Your Holiness Formal Closing Kissing the Sacred Foot Abbreviations His Holiness: H.H. Other Kneel on your left knee and kiss ring as sign of respect for his office. If kneeling would be awkward or impossible, bow at the waist and proceed. Stand when he enters the room and remain standing until he invites you to sit. Women should have their heads covered and be dressed in black (only Queens wear white in the Pope's presence); men must remove their hats in his presence. Repeat reverential gestures when leaving his presence.

Note: If you'd like a very nice papal souvenir, bring a brand new white zucchetto with you when meeting the Pope. His Holiness will trade his for yours. Cardinal Envelope Address His Eminence, John Cardinal Doe, Archbishop of Erewhon ("Cardinal" goes between first and last names) Letter Salutation Most Revererend Eminence Most Eminent Cardinal Formal Closing Kissing the Sacred Purple Abbreviations His Eminence: H.E.; Eminence: Emus. (Eminentissimus) Other Kneel on your left knee and kiss ring as sign of respect for his office. If kneeling would be awkward or impossible, bow at the waist and proceed (do not do either if the Pope is present). Stand when he enters the room and remain standing until he invites you to sit. Men must remove their hats in his presence. Repeat reverential gestures when leaving his presence. Patriarch Envelope Address His Beatitude Letter Salutation Your Beatitude Other Stand when he enters the room and remain standing until he invites you to sit. Men must remove their hats in his presence. When it is your own Patriarch, kneel on your left knee and kiss ring as sign of respect for his office.

If kneeling would be awkward or impossible, or if he is not your own Patriarch, bow at the waist and kiss his ring (do not do either if the Pope is present). Repeat reverential gestures when leaving his presence. Archbishop/Primate Envelope Address The Most Reverend John Doe, Archbishop of Erewhon Letter Salutation Your Excellency Formal Closing Kissing the Sacred Ring Abbreviations Archieps. (Archiepiscopus), or Arch. Other Stand when he enters the room and remain standing until he invites you to sit. Men must remove their hats in his presence. When it is your own Archbishop, kneel on your left knee and kiss ring as sign of respect for his office. If kneeling would be awkward or impossible, or if he is not your own Archbishop, bow at the waist and kiss his ring (do not do either if the Pope is present). Repeat reverential gestures when leaving his presence. Bishop Envelope Address The Most Reverend John Doe, Bishop of Erewhon The Right Reverend John Doe, Bishop of Erewhon (British) Letter Salutation Your Excellency Formal Closing Kissing the Sacred Ring Abbreviations Ep., Epus.

(Episcopus) Other Stand when he enters the room and remain standing until he invites you to sit. Men must remove their hats in his presence. When it is your own Bishop, kneel on your left knee and kiss ring as sign of respect for his office. If kneeling would be awkward or impossible, or if he is not your own Bishop, bow at the waist and kiss his ring (do not do either if the Pope is present). Repeat reverential gestures when leaving his presence. Monsignor Envelope Address The Very Right Reverend Monsignor Doe The Reverend Monsignor John Doe Letter Salutation Dear Monsignor Abbreviations Right Reverend Father: RR. (for Reverendissimus) Other Stand when he enters the room and remain standing until he invites you to sit. Men must remove their hats in his presence. Repeat reverential gestures when leaving his presence.

Priest Face-to-face Greeting "Father," "Reverend Father," or "Your Reverence." Though it is common, it's not proper to address a priest using his first name, as in "Hi, Father John!" Envelope Address The Reverend Father John Doe Letter Salutation Dear Father Reverend and Dear Father Doe Abbreviations Father: F. or Fr. Fathers, Plural: FF. Reverend Father: Rev. Fr. (or "R.P." for Reverendus Pater) Other Stand when he enters the room and remain standing until he invites you to sit. Men must remove their hats in his presence. If a priest visits your home, it is customary to ask for his blessing; the simple words, "Father, bless" are fine. When blessed by a priest, kneel on both knees until he is finished. It is also customary for many people, especially those in Latin cultures, to kiss the priest's hand to honor the Eucharist, as they alone are able to consecrate (unless the Pope is present). Deacon Envelope Address Reverend Mr Deacon Letter Salutation Dear Mr. Deacon Abbot Envelope Address Right Reverend John Doe, (Initials of Order) Ex.

Right Reverend Doe, O.S.D. Abbreviations Abbot: Ab. Letter Salutation Dear Right Reverend Father Dear Abbot Metropolitan Face-to-face Greeting Your Beatitude Envelope Address His Beatitude the Most Blessed John, Archbishop of Erewhon and Metropolitan X Church in ErewhonII Letter Salutation Dear Metropolitan Doe Archbishop Envelope Address His Eminence the Most Reverend John, Archbishop of Erewhon Letter Salutation Dear Archbishop John (it is customary to begin letters and phone conversations with "Bless, Your Eminence". It is customary to end letters with "Kissing your right hand" and to end phone conversations with "Bless, Your Eminence.") Bishop Envelope Address The Right Reverend Bishop John Letter Salutation Your Grace (it is customary to begin letters and phone conversations with "Bless, Your Grace".

It is customary to end letters with "Kissing your right hand" and to end phone conversations with "Bless, Your Grace.") Other When greeting a Bishop, make a bow by reaching down and touching the floor with your right hand, place your right hand over your left hand, with palms facing upward, and say Bless, Your Grace. The Bishop will bless you and and place his right hand in your hands. Kiss his hand. Archpriest Envelope Address The Very Reverend John Doe Letter Salutation Dear Father (it is customary to begin letters and phone conversations with "Bless, Father". It is customary to end letters with "Kissing your right hand" and to end phone conversations with "Father, bless.") Other When greeting an archpriest, make a bow by reaching down and touching the floor with your right hand, place your right hand over your left hand, with palms facing upward, and say Bless, Father. The Priest will bless you and and place his right hand in your hands. Kiss his hand. Priest Face-to-face Greeting Father (First Name) Ex.

Father John Envelope Address Married Priests: The Reverend Father John Monk Priests: The Reverend Hieromonk Letter Salutation Dear Father John (it is customary to begin letters and phone conversations with "Bless, Father". It is customary to end letters with "Kissing your right hand" and to end phone conversations with "Father, bless.") Priests' wives Greek: Presbytera Jane Russian: Matushka Jane Serbian: Papadiya Jane Ukrainian: Panimatushka Jane Other When greeting a priest, make a bow by reaching down and touching the floor with your right hand, place your right hand over your left hand, with palms facing upward, and say Bless, Father. The Priest will bless you and and place his right hand in your hands. Kiss his hand. Deacon How to Address Catholic Clergy: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow How to Address Catholic Clergy One Methods: Rosary Prayer Community Q&A When speaking to members of the clergy, titles and addresses can be tricky. Depending upon where one resides, and where the clergy person resides, titles can vary from minor changes to major shifts in formality.

This article will help you to determine how to identify and properly address members of the Catholic clergy. Steps 1 Identify the clergyman's hierarchical status or post. Below are a few identifying markers for various individuals within the Catholic hierarchy. It is important to note that these are more guidelines than rules; a Pastor may be Byzantine but wear a Roman cassock, for example. The Pope is easy to distinguish by the fact that his everyday cassock (robe worn by clergy when not doing anything liturgically) is white. He is usually the only one who has a white cassock (there is a tiny chance that an Eastern clergy member might wear a white cassock, since colors are not regulated closely in all Eastern Churches, and some Latin Priests are permitted to wear white cassocks in tropical countries). A Cardinal has a red cassock (although it should be noted that at least one regular Eastern Bishop has one).

A Metropolitan or Eastern Bishop may wear a loose cassock, a riasa (a cloak-type garment worn over the cassock, with long, flowing sleeves), a tall black hat, possibly with a veil; in some Slavic traditions, a Metropolitan's hat will be white), and a Panagia, which is a medal with an icon of the Theotokos on it. A Latin Bishop may be recognized by the red lining, piping and buttons on his black cassock, the red sash around his waist, and that red skullcap (zucchetto). He also wears a pectoral Cross. A Monsignor is known by the red ng, piping and buttons on his black cassock. But he does not wear a pectoral Cross or a red skullcap. This title of honour is generally not given any more in the East. An Archpriest is maybe the Eastern Catholic equivalent of the rank of Monsignor. If he chooses to wear a hat, it may be purple or red. In a liturgical setting, he can also wear the shields, like a Bishop. Other than that, he dresses like an Eastern Rite Priest. An Eastern rite Priest dresses the same as a Bishop, with some exceptions.

Instead of a Panagia, he wears a pectoral Cross. Instead of a klobuk, he may wear a black kamilavka. In some Churches, the kamilavka is a reward, while in others it is an option for any Priest. A Latin Priest wears a tighter fitting cassock. He also wears the white collar. An Eastern Deacon dresses the same as an Eastern Rite Priest, minus the pectoral Cross. 2 Address a Deacon: During a formal introduction, a Permanent Deacon should be introduced as “Deacon (First and Last Name).” He should be directly addressed as “Deacon (Last Name)” – or, on paper, as “Reverend Mr. (First and Last Name).” If it is a seminarian who is a Transitional Deacon, then he should be introduced as "Deacon(First and Last Name)." He should be directly addressed as “Deacon (Last Name)” – or, on paper, as “The Reverend Mr.

(First and Last Name).” 3 Address a Brother: During a formal introduction, a Brother should be introduced as “Brother (First Name) of (name of community).” He should be directly addressed as “Brother (First Name)” – or, on paper, as “Reverend Brother (First Name), (initials of his community)” 4 Address a Sister: During a formal introduction, a Sister should be introduced as “Sister (First Name) of (name of community).” She should be directly addressed as “Sister (First and Last Name)” or “Sister” – or, on paper, as “Reverend Sister (First and Last Name), (initials of her community).” 5 Address a religious Priest: During a formal introduction, a religious Priest should be introduced as “The Reverend Father (First and Last Name) of (name of community).” He should be directly addressed as “Father (Last Name)” or simply “Father,” – or, on paper, as “The Reverend Father (First Name Middle Initial Last Name), (initials of his community).” 6 Address a mother superior.

During a formal introduction, a mother superior should be introduced as “The Reverend Mother (First and Last Name) of (name of community).” She should be directly addressed as “Reverend Mother (First and Last Name),” “Reverend Mother,” or, on paper, as “The Reverend Mother (First and Last Name), (initials of community).” 7 Address a diocesan(or secular) Priest: During a formal introduction, a diocesan Priest should be introduced as “The Reverend Father (First and Last Name).” He should be directly addressed as “Father (First and/or Last Name)” or simply “Father,” – or, on paper, as “The Reverend Father (First Name and Last Name).” Note that you should stand when he enters a room (until he invites you to sit) and again when he leaves it.

8 Address a Vicar, Provincial, Canon, Dean, or Rector: During a formal introduction, he should be introduced as “The Very Reverend Father/Vicar (First and Last Name).” He should be directly addressed as “Reverend (Last Name)” or “Father (Last Name),” – or, on paper, as “The Very Reverend Father (Vicar/Provincial/Canon, etc.) (First Name and Last Name).” Note that, as with a Priest, you should stand when he enters a room (until he invites you to sit) and again when he leaves it. 9 Address a Monsignor. During a formal introduction, a Monsignor should be introduced as “The Reverend Monsignor (First and Last Name).” He should be directly addressed as “Monsignor (Last Name)” or simply “Monsignor,” – or, on paper, as “The Reverend Monsignor (First Name and Last Name).” Note that, as with a Priest, you should stand when he enters a room (until he invites you to sit) and again when he leaves it. 10 Address a Bishop.

During a formal introduction, a Bishop should be introduced as “His Most Reverend Excellency, (First and Last Name), Bishop of (Location).” He should be directly addressed as “Your Excellency” – or, on paper, as “His Excellency, The Most Reverend (First Name and Last Name), Bishop of (Location)”. Note that you should stand when he enters a room (until he invites you to sit) and again when he leaves it. Remove your hat in his presence, and you may kiss the sacred ring during both the greeting and the closing. If he is your own Bishop, you may kneel when kissing the ring (though bowing at the waist is also acceptable); however, do not do either if the Pope is present. 11 Address an Archbishop. During a formal introduction, an Archbishop should be introduced in the same way listed above for a Bishop. However in some parts of Canada, especially in the West, it is common practice to address an Archbishop as “His Grace".

In this case, during a formal introduction, an Archbishop could be introduced as “His Grace, (First and Last Name), Archbishop of (Location).” He could be directly addressed as “Your Grace” or “Archbishop (Last Name),” – or, on paper, as “His Grace, The Most Reverend (First Name and Last Name), Archbishop of (Location)”. Note that, as with a Bishop, you should stand when he enters a room (until he invites you to sit) and again when he leaves it. Remove your hat in his presence, and you may kiss the sacred ring during both the greeting and the closing. If he is your own Archbishop, you may kneel when kissing the ring (though bowing at the waist is also acceptable); however, do not do either if the Pope is present. 12 Address a Patriarch.

During a formal introduction, a Patriarch should be introduced as “His Beatitude, (First and Last Name) Patriarch of (Location).” He should be directly addressed as “Your Beatitude” (except in Lisbon, where he is addressed as “Your Eminence”) or, on paper, as “His Beatitude, the Most Reverend (First and Last Name), Patriarch of (Location).” Note that, as with an Archbishop, you should stand when he enters a room (until he invites you to sit) and again when he leaves it. Remove your hat in his presence, and you may kiss the sacred ring during both the greeting and the closing. If he is your own Patriarch, you may kneel when kissing the ring (though bowing at the waist is also acceptable); however, do not do either if the Pope is present. 13 Address a Cardinal.

During a formal introduction, a Cardinal should be introduced as “His Eminence, (First Name) Cardinal (Last Name), Archbishop of (Location).” He should be directly addressed as “Your Eminence” or “Cardinal (Last Name)” – or, on paper, as “His Eminence, (First Name) Cardinal (Last Name), Archbishop of (Location).” Note that, as with a Patriarch, you should stand when he enters a room (until he invites you to sit) and again when he leaves it. Remove your hat in his presence, and you may kiss the sacred ring during both the greeting and the closing. If he is your own Bishop, you may kneel when kissing the ring (though bowing at the waist is also acceptable); however, do not do either if the Pope is present. 14 Address the Pope.

During a formal introduction, the Pope should be introduced as “His Holiness, Pope (Name).” He should be directly addressed as “Your Holiness” or “Holy Father” – or, on paper, as “His Holiness, Pope (Name)” or “The Sovereign Pontiff, His Holiness (Name).” Note that men should wear a dark suit and tie and remove their hats in his presence, while women should wear black dresses that cover their arms, as well as a head covering such as a veil (dressing in white clothes and veil, known as the privilège du blanc). Stand when he enters a room (until he invites you to sit) and again when he leaves it. When introduced, kneel on your left knee and kiss his ring; repeat before he leaves. Le privilège du blanc ("the privilege of the white") is a French term used for a tradition whereby certain designated Catholic queens and princesses are permitted to wear a white dress and white mantilla during an audience with the Pope. The Italian term is il privilegio del bianco.

The Prefecture of the Pontifical Household sometimes issues special instructions when the privilege may be used, such as during papal audiences or masses at the beginning of a pope's reign. It is reserved for the Catholic queens of Belgium and Spain, the Princess Consort of Monaco, the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, and princesses of the former Italian royal House of Savoy. Rosary Prayer What's the protocol for visiting a priest at his home? wikiHow Contributor Bring a fruit basket or something. There's nothing inherently special about a priest. They're just human beings. Treat him like you would anybody else. How do I address the auxiliary bishop? wikiHow Contributor You should address him the same way as you would the Bishop without kissing the ring, as he won't have one, and without bowing or kneeling. How do I address correspondence to a retired priest? Do I address it as Father John Doe, or John Doe and then initials for a priest? wikiHow Contributor How can I address a personal letter to a priest? wikiHow Contributor It really depends on what religion you are referring to.

For example, if your priest is Christian, you would most likely start the letter, "Dear Father." If this question (or a similar one) is answered twice in this section, please click here to let us know. Tips A general rule is always to be formal. Familiarity is not proper with any clergyman unless you are a relative, and then, only in private. Informality is never proper in public or with anyone unless you are a relative or a close friend, and you are in private circumstances. If you are with your close friend who is a Bishop and you are in public, you must address him as "Bishop". The same model is used for persons with other professional titles, like "Doctor" or honorary titles like "Monsignor". Referring to your close friend who is a Bishop as "John" or "Marty" in public circumstances is improper, and it will embarrass you. In some countries the traditional practice of kissing the hand of a priest remains customary. Again, observe what is the practice in a given situation. It should be noted that the Catholic colors are often confused with Eastern Orthodox colors. Although there are similarities in rites and liturgies, names, and titles, Eastern Orthodox is not Catholic.

If it pertains to the communication, list academic credentials like "Ph.D" at the end of the salutation. It remains a widespread custom to kiss the hands of a priest who has just celebrated his first Mass or who has celebrated a special Mass close to the time of his ordination. One ought not to genuflect at all to a bishop that is not your diocesan bishop. A problem will exist if there is more than one bishop present. A sequence of bowing, then genuflecting, then bowing, etc. is awkward at best. When kissing the ring of your own diocesan bishop, it is traditional to genuflect on the left knee although, as with the kiss itself, this may no longer be customary in your locale. Today, genuflecting to bishops is usually not a part of the usual protocol. It is best to observe the custom with which the bishop himself will feel most comfortable; observe how others greet him. Clergymen may not address anyone in an informal manner at any time except in private conversation and only if the persons involved are in an informal relationship.

A clergyman must always address people with their proper title: Mr., Mrs., Dr., Reverend, Father, Monsignor, Bishop, etc. Clergymen may address young persons by their first name. In a formal setting, as in making wedding or baptism or funeral arrangements, the clergyman must address people in a formal manner. In many places kissing the ring of a Bishop or Cardinal, a longstanding tradition, remains customary; while in other places, it is uncommon. If unsure of the practice in your locale, observe how others approach the bishop in question; if none kiss his ring or if you have reason to believe that he would prefer that this deference to his office not be shown, just politely shake the hand of the bishop if he extends his hand to you. If a priest has the honorary title of Monsignor, address him as "Monsignor Last Name" instead of "Father", following the same rules concerning verbal and written forms of address for priests. The use of "Father" as a verbal title originated in Europe and was only used with priests who were members of a monastic order. It distinguished the priest-monk("Father") from a lay person-monk ("Brother") who was not a priest.

In Italy, for example, a parish priest is called "Don First Name". "Don" means "Sir" or a polite "Mister" and is not a religious title. "Don" is a little informal, but it is respectful. It can be used with any man that you personally know. Never append designations of academic degrees that are less than doctoral (e.g. BA, MA, STB, STL). There are exceptions. The author of a book or study may wish to indicate a master's degree (MA) or licentiate degree (STL) appended to his name as part of his identification as the author. And in certain Catholic religious orders there are honorary degrees that are beyond the doctorate. For example, in the Dominican Order, the "Master of Sacred Theology" (S.T.M.) is given only to those who have published several internationally recognized books and taught in a doctoral faculty for ten years. It is obviously far beyond a "doctorate." The best rule on this is to check whether the cleric who has a doctorate uses another academic title in place of it in his own style. Catholic Bishops and Catholic Priests in audience with the Holy Father should follow the protocol prescribed before the audience.

Bishops and Priests should act uniformly at a Papal audience. This means that if the first Bishop or Priest to meet the Holy Father genuflects to kiss the Papal ring, others should do the same. Do not initiate your own protocol. Follow the instructions given before the audience with the Holy Father. In North America and Europe, Catholic Priests may be verbally addressed as "Reverend Last Name" or "Reverend Doctor Last Name" (if he has a doctoral degree). In the U.S.A. it is perfectly acceptable to call any Christian clergyperson, "Reverend". With any clergyman you should include a doctoral degree or any honorary title, e.g., The Reverend Dr. John Smith, Ph.D., or The Reverend Msgr. John Smith. Do not abbreviate "Reverend" unless you are writing an informal note, and always include the definite article "The" before "Reverend". Warnings Some clergy feel uncomfortable, for both theological and personal reasons, with insisting upon a title. Others prefer that a title be used. When in doubt, simply address them by the most formal title available and leave it to them to invite a less formal style of address.

Never extend your hand to anyone you do not know and never to a person of superior rank (keeping in mind that we are all Children of God and there are really no 'ranks' within the Church). In American parishes many priests greet the parishioners after Mass, with or without physical contact. When in doubt, leave it out.

Question: How would you address an Archbishop?
Answer: Your Grace